Larvicide

A larvicide is a type of pesticide used to control the larval stage of insects. It is designed to target the immature forms of insects, such as mosquitoes, fleas, and cockroaches, in order to prevent them from maturing into adulthood and reproducing. Typically, larvicide is either poured directly into water sources, or added to water-filled containers where larvae are known to breed, such as gutters, septic tanks, and old tires. The active ingredient in larvicide typically works by disrupting the nervous system of the target organism, leading to paralysis and eventual death. In some cases, the larvicide may also act as an insect growth regulator, preventing the larvae from reaching maturity. In addition to reducing the population of adult insects, the use of larvicide can also reduce the spread of diseases carried by adult insects, such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus.